SIMON B. RHYMIN'

Rap teacher Dwayne Reed cheerfully narrates his earnest story of Simon Barnes, a shy Chicago fifth-grader who is trying to find his voice and uplift his community. Listeners can't help but bop and grin with Simon aka Notorious D. O. G.'s lyrical raps on his Westside friends and family. It is easy to hear why Reed's rapping went viral--it's a little bit goofy and corny, but genuine. Reed tackles issues of homelessness and bullying with a comforting blend of sincerity and positivity. His authentic language combined with his reassuring tone will delight upper-elementary-age listeners as Simon triumphs over his fears and makes his neighborhood proud. E.A.N. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2020]